If you’ve been waiting for a high-impact, fully funded research pathway in Japan, here’s the moment worth pausing for. Hokkaido University has officially opened applications for the prestigious MEXT Scholarship: IGP Special Quota for the October 2026 intake, inviting bold, globally minded students ready to tackle major life science challenges.
This opportunity comes under the university’s flagship initiative, the Life Science Researcher Training Program for Solving Global Issues, designed for emerging researchers who aspire to advance academic and applied science at one of Japan’s top institutions.
With limited seats and a competitive selection process, the IGP Special Quota is your ticket to fully funded Master’s and PhD studies in one of the world’s most respected research environments.
Funding & Benefits: What This Opportunity Offers?
This scholarship delivers full financial support to help exceptional students devote themselves entirely to advanced life science research. Here’s what international applicants can expect:
- Fully funded MEXT scholarship through the IGP Special Quota
- 5 slots for 3-year Doctoral scholarships for international PhD applicants
- 3 slots for 2-year Master’s scholarships
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Monthly stipend as per MEXT regulations
- Round-trip airline tickets to Japan
- Enrollment in the Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University
- Supervision within a world-class research environment featuring leading laboratories and cutting-edge facilities.
Who Is Eligible?
To help you evaluate your fit for this competitive scholarship, here’s a clear breakdown of the eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- Be international students applying for the Graduate School of Life Science at Hokkaido University
- Be seeking admission into a Master’s or Doctoral program for October 2026 under the IGP Special Quota
- Contact a prospective supervisor no later than November 10, 2025, to discuss suitability
- Obtain approval from the supervisor to join the laboratory (laboratory screening)
- Prepare all application documents as instructed by the supervisor
- Demonstrate strong academic excellence supported by objective data
- Provide proof of English proficiency through accepted documents.
Not Eligible if Any of the Following Apply:
- Currently serving in armed forces or working as civilian staff of foreign military institutions
- Unable to arrive in Japan by the date set by MEXT
- Previously received any MEXT scholarship (including those declined after arrival)
- Applying for any other MEXT scholarship for 2026 (e.g., Teacher Training)
- Receiving financial support from another government or organization during the scholarship period
- Unable to meet academic qualifications by the designated date
- Dual citizens unable to renounce Japanese nationality before arrival
- Planning research activity outside Japan at the time of application
- Hold a PhD but do not intend to earn another degree.
How to Apply?
Applying for the IGP Special Quota requires early action and close coordination with the faculty at Hokkaido University. Here’s the simplified process:
- Identify a suitable laboratory by reviewing the IGP laboratory list.
- Contact a prospective supervisor with your research interest by November 10, 2025.
- Once approved, submit all required application documents to your supervisor.
- Your supervisor will forward your documents to the IGP office by December 10, 2025.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare official documents early, as many require processing time at home institutions.